Enjoying your fireplace is a great way to get away and relax, without having to leave the comfort of your living room, but unless you have some way to protect your carpet and flooring from any pops or ashes that could potentially fall out, then you are putting your home at serious risk (unless you own an electric fireplace, of course). Buying a new fireplace screen will help you protect your home, while still being able to enjoy quiet nights with the fireplace burning. In order to make the best buying decision, and make your way through the wide variety of fireplace inserts, there are a few things that you’re going to want to think about.
First, you have to figure out what size your fireplace opening is. For a single panel fireplace screen, you will want to make sure that it is at least 3 inches larger than the opening, to ensure that it will entirely cover the opening. However, for folding panel fireplace screens, you’re going to want to make sure that the unit is at least 10 inches larger than the fireplace opening. This will keep any debris from flying out, while still allowing you to open it to get in and clean the fireplace.
There are two main types of fireplace screens that you’ll find. Both glass, and steel or metal. Depending on what your current decorations are, and how your fireplace is setup, you may even end up with both types. For a basic barrier of protection, buying a screen is often sufficient, but if you are looking to increase your decor, or help to bring the warmth out from your fireplace, then glass doors are a great way to accomplish it. These types of doors can slide open if you need more heat, and then closed again once the room is warm enough.
You can find fireplace screens at a large number of retailers, but you’re best choice will begin by searching on the internet. Having these items shipped may cost slightly more, but your choice in selection really makes the extra costs worth while. Make sure that you measure the opening before you make the purchase, to ensure that the fireplace screen you get is the one that you need. You can find anything from antique and stained glass windows, to other types of decorative fireplace screens like wrought iron.
